Have you ever stared at the buttons inside your car, trying to figure out what the mysterious symbol with circle and stick? These icons are the universal language of on and off that auto manufacturers have been using for decades. But despite their apparent simplicity, many drivers still confuse their meaning, risking accidentally turning off important systems or, conversely, leaving those that should be turned off running.
In this article we will not just decipher what it means circle with a vertical line (|) and circle without her (○), but we will also show where exactly these symbols are found in the car - from the multimedia system to security systems. You will find out why in some models Manufacturers deliberately violate the ISO 7000 standard by replacing classic icons with their own versions, and how it can confuse even experienced drivers. We’ll also look at real cases where misinterpretation of these symbols led to battery discharge or electronic malfunctions.
ISO 7000 standard: what do the circle and stick mean according to GOST
On/off symbols are regulated by an international standard ISO 7000 (in Russia - analogue GOST R ISO 7000-2019). According to him:
- 🔘 Circle with a vertical stick inside (|) —
ON(power on). Symbolizes a "closed circuit" of an electrical circuit. - ⭕ Empty circle (○) —
OFF(power off). Means "open circuit".
Interestingly, the standard allows for variations: sometimes instead of a vertical stick it is used shaded sector (like on buttons BMW iDrive or Mercedes COMAND). And in Japanese cars (for example, Toyota or Nissan) often occurs circle with a horizontal line (—) - this also means the on state, but as an “active signal”.
| Symbol | Meaning | Examples in cars | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔘 (|) | ON / Power On | Ignition button, heated seats, backlight | B Audi MMI may mean "pause" |
| ⭕ | OFF / Power Off | Disabling climate control and parking sensors | B Tesla — transition to "sleep mode" |
| ◐ (shaded sector) | ON (alternative) | Buttons BMW iDrive, Volvo Sensus | B Kia/Hyundai - "eco" mode |
⚠️ Attention: In cars Volkswagen Group (VW, Skoda, Seat) after 2018 symbol ⭕ on the start-stop button may not mean “off”, but “ready mode” (ignition on). This is due to the system Keyless Go — check in the manual!
Where in the car these symbols are found: 7 key places
Manufacturers post icons on/off on the most unexpected controls. Here are typical places to look for them:
- 🔑 Start-stop button (engine start/stop): here
🔘starts the engine and⭕- jams. But in Mercedes-Benz with the system ECO Start/Stop a circle with a stick can mean automatic engine shutdown at traffic lights. - 🪑 Heated/ventilated seats: buttons often use a symbol combination
🔥(heating) +🔘/⭕. B Lexus and Infiniti instead of a stick maybe wavy line - This is the "comfort" mode. - 📻 Audio system: on the power button of the radio
🔘includes,⭕- turns it off. B Pioneer and Alpine sometimes they add red backlight for🔘. - 🚗 Parking sensors/rear view camera: symbol
⭕here disables the system completely, and🔘- activates. B Ford with the system Active Park Assist circle with stick includes automatic parking.
Less obvious places:
- 🔦 Additional lighting (lights for legs, trunk): in Audi Q7 button c
🔘includes ambient lighting, but only if the ignition is in positionACC. - 🔋 Hybrid operating modes: in Toyota Prius symbol
⭕on the selector means switching to mode EV (electric), and🔘— return to hybrid mode. - 🛡️ Security systems: in Volvo button c
🔘activates door locking when driving, and⭕- turns off.
Why manufacturers “change” standards: examples of non-obvious designations
Not all automakers strictly follow ISO 7000. Here are the most insidious exceptions:
- Tesla Model 3/Y: symbol on touch screen
⭕next to the climate control does not turn off the system, but switches it to eco mode (minimal air exchange). Complete shutdown requires holding down the button. - Land Rover (models with Terrain Response): circle with a stick (
🔘) on the driving mode selector turns on automatic program selection, not a specific mode. - Honda (system Econ Mode): button c
⭕does not disable the mode, but switches cyclically fuel economy levels (first Econ Off, then Econ 1, Econ 2).
Things are especially confusing with Chinese brands (Geely, Changan, BYD): often found here combined symbols, for example, a circle with a stick and an up arrow (🔘↑) - this can mean both inclusion and power increase (for example, a stove fan).
How to recognize non-standard characters?
If your car has a button with a sign 🔘/⭕ behaves illogically (for example, does not respond to one press or activates the wrong function), check:
1. Button backlight color (red = danger/disabled, green = activated).
2. The presence of additional pictograms nearby (arrows, waves, lightning).
3. Hold behavior (often opens advanced settings).
In 80% of cases, non-standard symbols are described in the "Control of comfort systems" section in the user manual.
Typical driver mistakes: what happens if you mix up the symbols
Seems to be confused 🔘 and ⭕ difficult, but in practice it leads to curious and not very consequences:
- 🔋 Battery discharge: leaving the heated seats on overnight (
🔘) or trunk light, you risk sitting down in the morning with a dead battery. This is especially true for diesel cars in winter. - 🚨 False alarms: in BMW and Audi button c
⭕can be turned off on the remote control volume sensors, due to which the alarm is triggered by a draft. - 🌡️ Interior overheating: if you accidentally press it in the heat
🔘on the air recirculation button (instead of⭕), the climate control will stop taking air from the street, and the temperature in the cabin will rise by 10–15°C in 20 minutes. - 📵 Lost connection: in cars with eSIM (for example, Mercedes MBUX) symbol
⭕next to the antenna turns off communication module, which is why they stop working SOS call and online services.
⚠️ Attention: In cars with Start-Stop system (for example, Peugeot 3008 or Citroën C5 Aircross) pressing the button with ⭕ while driving does not turn off the engine immediately - it deactivates the system only until the next launch. To completely disable Start-Stop, you need to hold the button for 3-5 seconds.
Make sure the ignition is in the ON or ACC position
Check if the error indicator on the dashboard is on
Try holding the button for longer than 2 seconds
Check the manual - this may be a non-standard symbol
Restart the multimedia system (turn off/on the ignition) -->
How to remember: mnemonic rules and life hacks
To avoid any more confusion, use these techniques:
- "Closed/open" rule: imagine that the stick is inside the circle (
🔘) is closed switch (the circuit is closed, current flows). Empty circle (⭕) — open circuit (no current flows). - Color association: in most cars there is a button
🔘illuminated green or blue, and⭕— red or orange. Exception - Jaguar/Land Roverwhere they use white for the on state. - Tactile method: symbol on many buttons
🔘convex (can be felt with a finger), and⭕- smooth. This helps you manage systems without being distracted from the road.
For visual learners, it is useful to remember analogies:
- 🔘 = 💡 (the light is on - on)
- ⭕ = 🌑 (dark - off)
If your car has no backlit buttons (for example, Dacia or Renault Logan), stick next to 🔘 a small green sticker, and with ⭕ - red. This will help avoid mistakes in the dark.
What to do if the characters are erased or unreadable
Over time, the inscriptions and symbols on the buttons are erased - especially in used cars. Here's how to restore their value:
- Take a photo of the panel: Take a photo of the buttons in good lighting and enlarge it on your phone. Often the remains of symbols are visible from a certain angle.
- Use VIN decoder: on sites like AutoData or EPC You can use the VIN code to find a diagram of the controls for your model.
- Check by location: Buttons in cars are usually grouped by function. For example, if the erased symbol is located next to the temperature control, it is most likely climate control.
For popular models there are symbol databases:
| Brand | Model | Where to look for the diagram |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Camry (2018–2023) | Page 5-12 in official manual |
| Volkswagen | Golf 7 | Section "Bedienung" in ErWin (paid access) |
| Hyundai/Kia | Tucson/Sportage (2020+) | Application MyHyundai or MyKia (free) |
⚠️ Attention: If you are restoring the characters yourself (such as with paint or stickers), avoid glossy materials — they can distract the driver with glare. Use matte markers (Edding 750) or anti-reflective vinyl stickers.
The future of on/off symbols: what awaits car owners
With the transition to touch screens and voice control, classic 🔘/⭕ are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Here are the trends to expect:
- 🤖 Adaptive Interfaces: in Mercedes MB.OS (from 2026) symbols change shape depending on the context. For example, a circle with a stick (
🔘) on the climate control button can turn into snowflake when the air conditioner is activated. - 🗣️ Voice commands: in BMW i7 and Cadillac Celestiq Instead of pressing buttons, just say "Hey Mercedes, turn on the heated seats". The symbols on the screen are highlighted.
- 🎮 Gesture control: in concepts Audi and Ford To enable functions, they use sensors that respond to hand movements above the panel. Symbols are projected onto the surface only when the hand approaches.
However, completely abandon 🔘/⭕ manufacturers do not plan - these symbols will remain on emergency buttons (for example, alarm or Airbag deactivation) where instant understandability without training is important.
Even in 2026+ cars the symbols 🔘 and ⭕ will be used for critical functions (ignition, emergency systems), while secondary functions (multimedia, comfort) will switch to touch control.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about on/off symbols in cars
Why is there a button with a circle and a stick in my Ford Focus (🔘) turns off the seat heating, but does not turn it on?
B Ford (and some models Mazda) reverse logic is used for comfort systems: 🔘 means"active state" (i.e. the heating works), but when you press the button switches mode, but does not fix it. That is, the first click on ⭕ turns on the heating (the button is illuminated), the second (on 🔘) - turns it off. This is done to save space on the panel.
On the start-stop button in mine Skoda Octavia no symbols - only the inscription "START/STOP". This is fine?
Yes, in cars Volkswagen Group (VW, Skoda, Seat) after 2016, symbols are often abandoned in favor of text inscriptions. However, the operating logic remains standard:
- Briefly press without the brake pedal - switch between
ACC/ON. - Press and hold - turn off the ignition completely.
- Pressing with the brake pedal depressed starts the engine.
Symbols 🔘/⭕ in this case transferred to the dashboard display.
Is it possible to change the assignment of buttons with 🔘 and ⭕ via firmware?
Technically this is only possible for secondary systems (heating, multimedia) in vehicles with programmable control panels (e.g. Tesla, BYD, some BMW with iDrive 8). This requires:
1. Connection via OBD-II using software type ESYS (for BMW) or TeslaTool.2. Editing the configuration file HCM (Human Machine Interface).
3. Reflashing the comfort control unit.
⚠️ Risks: incorrect changes can lead to errors in CAN bus or malfunctions of the climate control. In 90% of cases this voids the warranty.
In my Renault Arkana symbol on the parking sensor button 🔘, but they don't turn on. What's the matter?
Available in hybrid and electric models Renault-Nissan Parking sensors are activated only when:
- Ignition on (
ONorREADYfor EV). - Activated mode
DorR(movement forward/backward). - Speeds below 15 km/h.
If the symbol 🔘 illuminated, but the parking sensors are silent, check:
- Are the sensors blocked by dirt/snow?
- Is the function disabled in the menu?
Settings → Driver → Parking assistance. - Did the emergency lock work after an accident (reset via Clip).